Hoyer Statement on the Five-Year Anniversary of the Supreme Court Decision Striking Down DOMA
Press Types
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
June 26, 2018
Contact Info:
Mariel Saez 202-225-3130
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today marking the five-year anniversary of the Supreme Court decision ruling Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional:
“Five years ago today, the Supreme Court did more than strike down a law – it struck a note of equality and inclusion that continues to resonate throughout our country. In ruling the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, the Court made it clear that married same-sex couples cannot be denied federal benefits. But the ruling also laid the groundwork for the eventual decision in Obergefell v. Hodges on this same day two years later, which finally brought marriage equality to every corner of our land. As we mark this anniversary, which falls during LGBT Pride Month, let us celebrate the hard-won victories in the march for equality and draw strength from them as we seek further progress.
“While marriage equality is now the law of the land, LGBT families still face discrimination. While the ruling was narrow and does not set precedent, the Supreme Court’s decision in the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission earlier this month underscored the uphill battle that remains to achieve full equality of access for LGBT Americans in our country. When I brought legislation to the House Floor to repeal the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy in 2010 and joined amicus briefs in U.S. v. Windsor, Obergefell v. Hodges, and the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, I did so because of my firm conviction that LGBT individuals in this country and around the world deserve to live their lives without discrimination or barriers to the full pursuit of happiness. Together, we will continue to fight for justice and equality, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus to advance this work in the years ahead, including by passing the Equality Act that I’ve cosponsored to end discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.”
“Five years ago today, the Supreme Court did more than strike down a law – it struck a note of equality and inclusion that continues to resonate throughout our country. In ruling the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, the Court made it clear that married same-sex couples cannot be denied federal benefits. But the ruling also laid the groundwork for the eventual decision in Obergefell v. Hodges on this same day two years later, which finally brought marriage equality to every corner of our land. As we mark this anniversary, which falls during LGBT Pride Month, let us celebrate the hard-won victories in the march for equality and draw strength from them as we seek further progress.
“While marriage equality is now the law of the land, LGBT families still face discrimination. While the ruling was narrow and does not set precedent, the Supreme Court’s decision in the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission earlier this month underscored the uphill battle that remains to achieve full equality of access for LGBT Americans in our country. When I brought legislation to the House Floor to repeal the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy in 2010 and joined amicus briefs in U.S. v. Windsor, Obergefell v. Hodges, and the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, I did so because of my firm conviction that LGBT individuals in this country and around the world deserve to live their lives without discrimination or barriers to the full pursuit of happiness. Together, we will continue to fight for justice and equality, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus to advance this work in the years ahead, including by passing the Equality Act that I’ve cosponsored to end discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.”